These are the alarming forecasts of how a predicted rise in sea levels could change the map of North East Lincolnshire.

Water surges inland to cross the path of the A180, docks are overwhelmed and large areas of housing and farmland are claimed by the sea from Immingham through Grimsby and Cleethorpes to the Lincolnshire coastline.

The maps are based on data from NASA, the US space agency which is monitoring sea level rises across the world.

The maps show how North East Lincolnshire could be affected by a two metre rise in sea levels, which is forecast by some scientists to develop by the end of the century.

How a 2m rise in sea levels could affect North East Lincolnshire (Image: flood.firetree.net)

The maps do not take into account new sea defences or a reduction in global warming but are designed to show the impact rising sea levels could have on existing communities.

NASA says sea levels are currently rising because oceans are expanding as they become warmer and vast ice-sheets are being eroded by warmer temperatures.

It says by the end of the century, the most recent scientific projections “range from 0.2 meters to 2.0 meters (0.66 to 6.6 feet).”

Further afield the two metre rise on the maps from shows large areas around Hull and East Riding underwater along with a large section of the Lincolnshire coast claimed by the sea, as well as sections of central southern Lincolnshire and Northern Norfolk.

How a 2m rise in sea levels could affect North East Lincolnshire (Image: flood.firetree.net)

In parts of western Europe the results of a two metre sea rise are potentially devastating, claiming huge parts of The Netherlands and Belgium.

British Government scientists believe the rise in sea level will be around one metre this century.

But the impact could still be significant and a Humber Estuary Coastal Authorities Group, bringing together environment agencies and the local authorities in the region, including North East Lincolnshire, has already set out its strategy to meet the sea level rise.

In a major report published in 2010 it said the rising sea level posed a real threat to the low lying coastal areas around the Humber. It recommend larger sea defences but said it was still likely beaches in the area would disappear under the waves.

A 2m rise in sea levels would have an impact on central Grimsby (Image: flood.firetree.net)

The report said: “In the future, sea level rise will mean that the coastline in this area is likely to look significantly different. If the current defence line is held in the same position, defences will increasingly need to be large structures in order to cope with sea level rise and the beach narrowing that is expected. There may be a need to adapt to these changes and reconsider how defences are managed.

It adds: “There is considerable uncertainty about the scale of future climate change and sea level rise; however, the rate of future sea level rise is expected to accelerate due to continued global warming and more rapid melting of the ice caps and ice sheets. In addition, it is likely that climate change will bring about increased storminess.”

Using data at the time, the report suggests the total sea rise in the Humber area wil be in the region of 979mm – just less than a metre.

It says sea defences from Immingham to Donna Nook would have to be bolstered to cope with sea rise, saying: “To continue with the current standards of protection for Lincolnshire, sea defences would need to be maintained and improved to keep pace with sea level rise over the plan period.”

A map of Immingham, Grimsby and Cleethorpes with blue showing the impact of sea level rise (Image: flood.firetree.net)

On the threat to Grimsby and Cleethorpes the report says more work will be required to “Hold the Line” against rising sea levels.

The report says: “This standard would be maintained by repairing and upgrading the defences to account for sea level rise. The locks and dock gates are recognised as particular low points, and although the docks and port currently provide a flood storage facility which increases the standard of protection against tidal flooding, these would need substantial improvements as sea levels rise to … provide protection to the residential area of Grimsby.”

And for Immingham it says sea defences will have to be extended, saying: “The crest height of defences which currently provides … overtopping protection would need to be raised to maintain this standard of protection as sea levels rise over the epochs.”

How a sea level rise of 60m would look

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A spokeswoman for North East Lincolnshire Council said the authority has adopted the “Shoreline Management Plan” for the coastline between Flamborough Head and Gibraltar Point, just south of Skegness, as part of the Humber Estuary Coastal Authorities Group.

She said: “This Plan covers the strategy for that length of coastline until 2105 and has been included in the Local Plan documentation. The Plan’s strategy for the NELC coastline is to maintain the current standard of defence until 2105 and that includes making allowance for the effects of climate change.”

The maps used in these animations are produced by technical architect Alex Tingle based on data from NASA. Visit Alex's full mapping tool for more information